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On November 3, 2015, Denver voters overwhelmingly approved a major expansion of the Colorado Convention Center.

The new expansion will include many new features that will make the Center the most high-tech, user-friendly meeting and event space in the nation.

Highlights of the Project

The development of new flexible meeting and ballroom space of up to 80,000 sq. ft.; the addition of 100,000+ sq. ft. of new pre-function and service space that will also include a 50,000 sq. ft. outdoor terrace to be located on the roof of the existing convention center. Both the pre-function and outdoor event spaces will have spectacular, unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and city skyline, allowing event attendees to take advantage of Denver's 300 days of sunshine.

These new facilities will be seamlessly integrated into the building, and attendees will have easy access to the center's existing exhibit, meeting room and ballroom levels.

Technology improvements will be made that will position the Colorado Convention Center as a "best-in-class" facility, keeping pace with current technologies and demand, including increased capacity for Wi-Fi and streaming video.

New and improved networking spaces will be incorporated into the building, providing exciting and innovative spaces that capture the spirit of Denver and Colorado, and allow attendees to connect in new ways.

Background of the Center

Currently the Colorado Convention Center has 63 learning rooms; a 14-acre exhibition hall; one of Colorado's largest ballrooms; a 5,000-seat, state-of-the art theatre and 1,200 parking spaces.

The center has 4.5 acres of glass; a light rail station; the largest kitchen in Colorado and its own outdoor farm, which grows 5,000 pounds of vegetables a year.

Since it opened in 1990 and was doubled in size in 2004, the Colorado Convention Center has been an economic engine for downtown Denver, generating more than $500 million in annual economic impact, spurring the growth of 3,000 downtown hotel rooms and thousands of new jobs.

Of course the center supports hotels, restaurants, retail, car rentals and entertainment throughout Denver, but there are many more ancillary jobs associated with the building. Hundreds of contractors, decorators, exhibit builders, florists, photographers, entertainers, speakers, IT experts and equipment rental specialists all make a living from this building.

When there is a major convention in town, tens of thousands of people flood into the city, accessing a variety of services -- from three meals a day to places to shop, sleep and be entertained. The convention center helps support downtown Denver's five art museums, three sports stadiums and 300 restaurants.

Best of all, the operating costs and marketing for the building is paid for by out-of-town convention delegates through lodging and car rental taxes.

It is an engine that requires very little from citizens, but gives back great benefits to our city.